I'm a nurse and work long shifts. Often 12 hours, and on hard floors. Lately my heels have been killing me by the end of the day and I think it might be plantar fasciitis. What would you recommend for someone in my situation?
Sorry to hear your heels have been giving you trouble. This is something we hear from a lot of nurses and healthcare workers, and it makes complete sense given the demands of the job. Long hours on hard floors put a lot of sustained stress on the feet, and the heel tends to be one of the first places that shows up.
If it is plantar fasciitis, the main things an insole can do for you are provide arch support that keeps the plantar fascia from being overstretched with each step, and cushion the heel to absorb some of the impact shock that hard floors send through the foot. Here are two options that take slightly different approaches to getting there:
PowerStep Pinnacle Work Insoles
The PowerStep Pinnacle Work is built on the same foundation as the widely popular Pinnacle insole, with a firm arch support and a deep heel cup, but is specifically designed for the demands of all-day, on-your-feet work. Compared to the standard Pinnacle, the Work version offers more overall cushioning and shock absorption, which is especially important for hard floors. The arch support keeps the plantar fascia from being overstretched, while the dual-layer foam absorbs impact through the heel and helps reduce the fatigue that builds up over a long shift. This is a great fit if you want structured support with a cushioned feel underfoot.
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FORM Memory Foam Cushioned Insoles
The FORM Memory Foam Cushioned Insoles use plush memory foam throughout that molds to the shape of your foot, giving them a softer, more cushioned feel underfoot. Gel pads under the heel and ball of foot provide targeted pressure relief, which is a nice feature when your heels are already sore. The arch support is firm and will still provide meaningful support for plantar fasciitis. The main tradeoff is that the softer construction will compress somewhat more over the course of a long shift, so if you tend to prefer a denser, more structured feel, the Pinnacle Work is the better fit.
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Summary
Choose the PowerStep Pinnacle Work Insoles if you want a structured insole that prioritizes firm arch support and motion control, built specifically for long days on hard floors. Choose the FORM Memory Foam Cushioned Insoles if you'd prefer something that feels softer and more cushioned underfoot, with gel padding at the heel and ball of foot for more targeted pressure relief. Both provide firm arch support suitable for plantar fasciitis; the main difference comes down to feel and cushioning style.